Byline Times celebrates retail launch

Byline Times, an independent political title, says it will launch for the first time in over 1,500 independent newsagents, as well as nearly 600 WH Smiths outlets and 50 Waitrose stores across the UK this Thursday 26 October.

The publisher says the expansion comes alongside a significant transformation as Byline Times shifts from a Berliner news format to a A4 magazine style using newsprint.

The launch comes alongside a worldwide print exclusive on the Royal Family and the Press, as well as an ad campaign in a dozen black cabs in London and Manchester as well as some high-profile endorsements, a social media campaign and a digi-van billboard in the capital, added the publisher.

Founded in 2019 by executive editors Peter Jukes and Stephen Colgrave, and edited by Hardeep Matharu, Byline Times has grown to nearly 30,000 monthly subscribers and now expects to reach thousands more readers through its retail expansion. Byline Times says it will be sold for £4.50 in stores and £3.95 to print subscribers, below that of many competitors.

The retail launch will include WH Smiths stores in airports and train stations as well as high-streets.

The magazine format offers readers a way to consume news, featuring thought-provoking articles from columnists including Bonnie Greer and Otto English, plus in-depth investigations.

The title is founded on the principle: "Without Fear or Favour" and has developed a reputation for fiercely challenging reporting and covering "What the Papers Don't Say.” Byline Times also prides itself as being an outlet reporting without influence from oligarchs.

Hardeep Matharu, Byline Times’ editor, said: “For too long, Britain has lacked a real independent and investigative newspaper, excavating issues that the established press can't or won't delve into. Bringing our readers thought-provoking reports, analysis and cultural voices that will enable them to make up their own minds on some of the biggest issues of the day, the newspaper's launch into retail marks a landmark moment for Byline Times.

“From the PPE procurement scandal and Russian interference, to its special investigation into presenter Dan Wootton and the influence of the Murdoch press on our democracy, Byline Times has never shied away from reporting on wrongdoing in our public life. We can’t wait to see how this develops, and hope for a strong launch to get our vital investigations and analysis out to even more of the UK.”

Stephen Colgrave, Byline Times co-founder and executive editor alongside Peter Jukes, said: “This is the first new news publication launch since 2016. While other papers are shrinking away from retail to subscriptions, we are expanding - because we understand the impact of retail and its ability to get us to a wider audience. We are proud of our dedicated readership and look forward to reaching more people than ever through this exciting launch in stores.”